In India, legal service authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?

1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs 1,00,000
2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs 2,00,000
3. Member of other backward classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs 3,00,000
4. All senior citizens

Select the correct answer using the given code below-

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1 and 4 only

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Those sections of the society as enlisted under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act are entitled to free legal services, they are:
  • Women and children
  • Members of SC/ST
  • Industrial workmen
  • Victims of mass disasters, violence, floods, drought, earthquakes, and industrial disasters.
  • Disabled persons
  • Persons in custody
  • Victims of Trafficking in Human beings or beggar.
  • Those persons who have an annual income of less than: The amount prescribed by the respective State Government, if the case is before any court other than the SC, and
  • Rs. 5 Lakhs if the case is before the Supreme Court.

• Senior citizens’ eligibility for free legal aid depends on the Rules framed by the respective State Governments in this regard.
  • In Delhi, for example, senior citizens are eligible for free legal aid subject to a prescribed ceiling of annual income.
• Free legal services are provided to transgender individuals through State Legal Services Authorities.
  • In Delhi, for example, transgender individuals having an annual income of less than Rs. 4 Lac in Delhi are eligible.

Answer: (d) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Hard